Did you know that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults?
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that has been linked to a variety of severe health issues. The link between periodontal disease and other severe health issues has been a topic of research for some time now. For example: let’s take a look at the link between arthritis and periodontal disease. In both diseases inflammation destroys hard and soft tissue and the inflammation is caused by the toxins from bacterial infection. According to research from 2012 it was found that people with fewer teeth had more severe arthritis: and by fewer teeth the research said that those with fewer than 20 teeth were 8 times more likely to have swollen joints.What links periodontal disease to other severe health issues?
Chronic infection shows up in the blood by increased levels of the reactive protein (CRP). Basically, an inflammatory disease which produces elevated amounts of CRP exacerbates another inflammatory disease. This is why—keeping with our example—treating periodontitis can sometimes provide relief to arthritis and vice versa. There is still a lot of research left to do because saying that periodontal disease causes or is caused by other inflammatory diseases belies the complexity of the issue. But there is a link, and that link should further motivate people to maintain optimal oral health. Periodontitis has been linked to a number of severe health issues other than arthritis:- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Alzheimer’s
At Curtis Couch D.D.S. in Thousand Oaks we have the largest Dental Hygiene practice in California…
Three out of four adults over the age of 35 are affected by gum disease at some stage of their life. But there is something that you can do about it. At our dental practice we have 7 highly qualified, professional Dental Hygienists to help care for your smile. Decay and periodontal disease are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is something that constantly forms on your teeth that is why it’s so important to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. The best way to prevent cavities is proper oral hygiene routine:- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss once a day, preferably at night before you go to bed
- Drinking water after eating: this’ll help remove bacteria and food particles
- Abstain from things like tea, coffee, cigarettes, chocolate
Do You Know The Difference Between Gingivitis And Gum Disease?
There is gingivitis and there is gum disease. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and can be a precursor to gum disease. However, gingivitis does not always lead to gum disease. The difference between gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease): Gingivitis is when the gums become inflamed because of the bacteria in plaque build-up: which is why gums bleed during tooth brushing. With gingivitis there is no irreversible bone or tissue damage. Periodontitis is when the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets between the teeth and gums collect debris and become infected. As periodontitis progresses the pockets deepen and more bone and gum tissue are destroyed. The problem with gum disease is that it can progress painlessly. It produces few obvious signs even in the late stages of the disease. Having said that, there are some warning signs. Symptoms of gum disease include:- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
Looking After Your Oral Health…
As has already been mentioned, brushing and flossing are important but your lifestyle also plays an important role in your oral health. For example: there are a number of other factors that affect your oral health:- Smoking
- Stress
- Clenching or grinding
- Medication
- Poor nutrition